January 29, 2018: the home city of Anton Chekhov paid tribute to its great countryman. Traditionally the date is celebrated by a program of commemorative events organized by Taganrog Arts & Culture Council and Taganrog State Museum Reserve.

In the early morning citizens and guests of the city gathered in front of Chekhov Monument on Taganrog's Red Square. Chairwoman of Taganrog City Council (Duma) and City Executive Mrs. Inna Titarenko, deputy city manager for social affairs Mrs. Irina Golubeva, widow of Anton Chekhov's grand-nephew Mrs. Yevgeniya Philipovna Chekhova, head of research & exhibition department of "The White Dacha" Chekhov Museum in Yalta Mr. Pavel Pyatkoff, director of Taganrog State Museum Reserve Mrs. Yelizaveta Lipovenko, Taganrog City Council's aldermen, students, representatives of NGOs and national diasporas.

"We are thankful to Anton Pavlovich for his tireless work in helping the city of Taganrog - for the Chekhov Public Library, for the museum of local lore and history, for the monument to the city founder emperor Peter the Great, and many other things. We are particularly encouraged by Chekhov's living example, his optimism and deep faith in the bright future of his home city and motherland. Dear Taganrogers, I would like to convey you the sincerest congratulations on the birthday of our great countryman — Anton Chekhov!", remarked deputy city manager Irina Golubeva at the rally.